How IoT influences the medical sphere

New approach towards data exchange and collection, Internet of Things (IoT), operates through the combination of network infrastructure and computer-based systems. It allows monitoring data remotely through the Internet connection. In other words, it’s become possible to control one device with the help of another, making business processes fast, cheap and mobile.

IoT is now mostly used in smart homes, wearables and sport organizations. The market of human physical state devices is becoming more and more competitive. Such grands as Apple, Google and Samsung are present on the market. It’s been predicted that in 3-5 years IoT and medical sphere will be inseparable. Active trackers and smart watches measure the number of steps walked and climbed, pulse rate, body temperature and much more. With hospitals being connected to the Internet wirelessly, such devices have become even more popular. Healthcare organizations now can remotely operate blood gas analyzers, mobile X-ray machines, glucose meters, etc. According to MarketResearch report, approximately $117 billion will be spent on IoT devices in the healthcare industry by 2020. The reason for such expenses is simple: more efficient usage of the facilities.

IoT has decreased the device downtime because of breakdowns. With its help, hospitals can test and diagnose medical equipment fast and remotely. A broken device can be instantly connected and supported by a specialist. IoT is useful for the systematic patients data collection, processing and updating. It eliminates the necessity of blanks and folders bulks, constant rewriting because of updates.

A great instance of IoT importance can be shown with scarcity of helium in MRI machine. It requires constant working order check. IoT devices are developed to warn the low level of helium before its complete exhaustion. As a result, the machine works without delays, providing better treatment.

Despite all the pros IoT possesses, there are still its cons. IoT devices won’t function properly without Internet connection. Moreover, there is a risk of data loss. Patients’ personal information can be in danger because of the huge information flow. Patients’ history won’t be an exception, as well as, biographical details. Security encryption and serious treatment are the solutions. Plus, a hospital needs to have own IT department that can teach personnel how to treat new technologies.

IoT will decidedly change the medical sphere for the better. Although, additional efforts are necessary for medical sphere not to become hacker vulnerable.